Sony ECM MS957 User manual

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Sony Electret Condenser Stereo Microphone
Operating Instructions
(ECM-MS957)

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Installing the battery (See fig. A)
1. Turn the grip counter-clockwise.
2. Pull out the grip to open the battery compartment.
3. Insert a new R6 (size AA) battery.
Battery Life
When the power is turned on, the battery check indicator lights momentarily. When the
battery becomes weak, the indicator remains dimly lit or does not light at all. In this case,
replace the battery with a new one.
The Sony R6P(SR) manganese battery gives continuous operation of the microphone for
about 2,000 hours.
Notes on Battery
To avoid damage to the unit from leakage and corrosion;
•Be sure to match the + and - on the battery with the same marks on the battery
compartment.
•Do not try to recharge battery.
•Remove the battery if the microphone is not to be used for a long period of time.
In case of battery leakage, wipe off any deposit in the battery compartment before
installing a new battery.
Connection (See fig. B)
Connect the L-shaped stereo mini-plug to the MIC jack of your recording equipment (MD,
DAT, etc.) as illustrated in fig. B
Parts Identification and Uses (See fig. C)
1. Connector
Insert the connector in until it clicks. Remove the connector by pressing the button.
2. Wind Screen
Attach in order to reduce wind or breathing noise.
3. Battery Check Indicator
When the power/directive angle switch is turned from OFF to ON, this indicator lights
momentarily. When the battery becomes weak, the indicator remains dimly lit or does not
light at all. In this case, replace the battery with a new one.
4. Power/Directive Angle Switch
Set the switch according to the sound source.
OFF Turns power off.
90° Use to pick up a relatively narrower sound source (instrumental solo, birds or
insects' chirp, etc.)
120° Use to pick up a relatively wider sound source (orchestra, chorus, train, car
race, etc.)
The above gives guidelines for selecting the appropriate angle. Although following those
guidelines is encouraged, you can freely choose either angle according to your own
preference.

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5. Microphone Holder
You can also connect to a microphone stand (PF 1/2) (optional).
6. Grip
As shown in the illustration, it can be used as a handy microphone. Loosen the screw and
detach the grip from the microphone stand.
7. Screw
Tighten the screw after setting the direction of the microphone.
8. L-shaped Stereo Mini-plug
Connect to the MIC jack of your recording equipment (DAT, MD, NT, etc.)
9. Turning Capsule Button (See fig. D)
(a) Set the turning capsule button according to the direction of the sound source. As
shown in the illustration, set the microphone head toward the sound source by pressing
the turning capsule button.
(b) Using the microphone vertically This position makes a more accurate sound pick-
up. Use this position after monitoring and adjusting the sound quality of your recording
equipment.
(c) Using the microphone horizontally This position makes for a successful sound pick-
up without any fine adjustments.
10.Microphone stand (See fig. E)
As shown in the illustration, spread out the legs to use the stand.

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Features
This microphone is suitable for use in a variety of situations such as at concerts
or conferences with digital recording equipment (Sony DAT, MD, NT(Digital
Microcorder), etc.).
•The turning capsule function allows both vertical and horizontal sound pickup.
•The Mid-Side Stereo System provides a natural sound pick up, delivering a stereo
sound image with superb clarity.
•The directive angle (between left and right channels) can be set to 90° or 120°
according to the sound source.
Precautions
•The microphone should never be dropped or subjected to strong shock.
•Keep the microphone away from areas with extremely high temperatures and humidity
(above 60°C or 140°F).
•If the microphone is placed near loudspeakers, an acoustic feedback (howling effect)
may occur. If this happens, place the microphone as far away as possible from the
loudspeakers, change the direction of the microphone or decrease the speaker volume
until the howling stops.
Specifications
General
Type:
One-point stereo (employing the Mid-side stereo system), electret condenser microphone
Microphone Cord:
4 mm diameter, two core-shielded OFC (Oxygen- free copper) cord with Canon XLR-5-
12C type connector and gold plated L-shaped stereo mini-plug
Stand Screw:
PF l/2 screws
Dimensions:
Approx. 40 x 183 mm (diameter x length) (1 5/8 X 7 1/4 in.), projecting parts and controls
not included.
Mass:
Approx. 330 g (11.7 oz.) including battery and cord
Supplied accessories:
Wind screen (1)
Microphone holder (PF 1/2 screw ) (1)
Microphone stand (1)
Carrying case (1)

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Performance
Frequency Response
50 -18,000 Hz
Directivity:
Unidirectional x 2 (Directive angle: 90° or 120°) (switchable)
Output Impedance:
600ohm + 30% unbalanced
Sensitivity (directive angle 120°)
Open circuit output voltage *1: -42 ± 3 dB
Effective output level *2: -45.8 ± 3 dBm
Difference between L and R channel sensitivity: Less than 3dB
Power Requirements:
Normal operating voltage:1.5 V, R6 (Size AA) battery
Minimum operating voltage: 1.1 V, R6 (Size AA) battery
Battery life: Approx. 2,000 hours with Sony R6P (SR) battery
Maximum Sound Pressure Level Input *3
More than 115 dBSPL
Dynamic Range
More than 90 dB
Operating Temperature Range
0°C - 40°C (32°F -104tF)
*1 0dB = 1 v/Pa, 1,000Hz (1 pa = 10 Ųbar = 94 dBsPL)
*2 0 dBm = 1 mW/Pa, 1,000Hz
*3 1% wave distortion at 1,000Hz. (0 dBsPI = 2 x 10-5 pa)